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The Process of Exploration

The journey of TOM membership through to permanent commitment takes a minimum of 4 years.  The initial Investigation phase - informally finding out about TOM through the website, personal relationships, attending a St. Thomas’ Visitors Week, huddle, etc - leads to Exploration.

At the outset we expect people to explore and join TOM within an existing relationship with Order members.  Potential Explorers are required to prayerfully seek an Order member to accompany them on the process of discerning a call to the community of The Order of Mission – an ‘Accompanying Member’. In TOM we journey together. 

Investigation Phase

Once an individual has accessed the Exploration level of the website application to join TOM can made.  This application encourages reflection regarding what it means to be part of the TOM community.  An ‘Exploration Retreat’ follows which informs and leads decisions regarding Initiation into Temporary Membership.  Explorers will be invited to take temporary vows by a Guardian (see page on “Leadership and Accountability”) following a time of discernment.  If it is felt that an Explorer should not take temporary vows they will be informed by a Guardian and a plan of action agreed.  Temporary Vows may be taken at an Order Gathering or in the presence of two Guardians.

 

Exploration

 

Associate Members

Associate Members are those who support the values, calling and work of The Order of Mission and seek to live according to the pattern of the community but do not feel called to take vows to become either Temporary or Permanent Members of TOM.  We encourage people who want to join TOM as Associate Members to explore TOM membership as described above.  Once someone has become an Associate Member, an Accompanying Member is no longer required unless that Associate intends to further pursue Temporary Membership.